Critical Thinking, Decision Making & Problem Solving
The student makes informed decisions by applying critical-thinking and problem solving skills.
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Mind mapping tools are a great way to help students organize their thinking, make connections, and provide a visual context for learning.
Some mind mapping tools to try are
Popplet
Caccoo
Google Drawing can also serve as a mind mapping tool
Some mind mapping tools to try are
Popplet
Caccoo
Google Drawing can also serve as a mind mapping tool
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/8/4/25843340/4084349.png?250)
Tools with student response features have made it easier for every student to express their thinking, not just the student who was called on to answer the question. These are some tools with formative assessment components that allow teachers to quickly identify and correct misconceptions in student thinking, or challenge students to deeper thinking.
Socrative
Edmodo
Nearpod
Google Classroom
Socrative
Edmodo
Nearpod
Google Classroom
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Games and self checking quizzes are a way for students to receive instant feedback to help them monitor their own thinking. Some game tools to consider include:
Kahoot
Quizlet (this link takes you to a sample earth science vocab quiz)
BrainRush
Jeopardy Labs
Consider letting students create quizzes for each other or submit quiz questions to you for inclusion in a group Kahoot or Jeopardy game.
Kahoot
Quizlet (this link takes you to a sample earth science vocab quiz)
BrainRush
Jeopardy Labs
Consider letting students create quizzes for each other or submit quiz questions to you for inclusion in a group Kahoot or Jeopardy game.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/8/4/25843340/7944135.png?250)
To enhance students' problem solving and decision making skills we look for tools that allow student to "guess and check" how different changes may lead to different outcomes. Additionally, technology makes it easier to bring the real world into students' learning. Some tools to explore include
Physics simulators from CK-12
Virtual Labs from Discovery Ed
Google Earth
Real World Math
Desmos graphing calculator
Sketch Up Pro (get a free license for your school from TCEA!)
Robotics (ex: LEGO Mindstorms)
Data collection (ex: Google Forms) and analysis (ex: graph creators)
Physics simulators from CK-12
Virtual Labs from Discovery Ed
Google Earth
Real World Math
Desmos graphing calculator
Sketch Up Pro (get a free license for your school from TCEA!)
Robotics (ex: LEGO Mindstorms)
Data collection (ex: Google Forms) and analysis (ex: graph creators)
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/8/4/25843340/9630719.jpg?326)
Learning to write code requires the kind of problem solving and decision making skills we want to nurture in our students. Not only that, it is a highly marketable skill in today's world. Some tools that have broken the process down into clear, easy to follow steps for kids include:
Code.org
Scratch
Code Academy
Code.org
Scratch
Code Academy
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In our Social Studies classrooms we ask students to analyze primary source documents and apply critical thinking about historical events. The Library of Congress has a huge selection of primary source documents for student analysis as well as resources for teachers to use in classroom activities.
Consider implementing a Social Studies Critical Thinking Lab model in your Social Studies classroom!